Helene A. NOVAK, (nee Shott), age 87. Beloved wife of 64 years to Richard E. Dearest mother of Jeannette Mazzola (Rich), Jimmy, Jacqui Krumpelman (Jim), Jo Anne, and Julie Angle (Brett). Loving grandmother of Catherine (Sam) Wilson, Richard (Mary) Mazzola, James (Michele) Schmotzer, Sarah Mazzola, Alex (Kayla) Angle, Joessette Schmotzer, Madelyn Angle, Jaimelynn Schmotzer, Laura Angle, Thomas Angle, and Noah Angle. And great grandmother of Elijah Wilson, Nicholas Wilson, and Leo Mazzola. Dear sister of Albert Shott (Barb, deceased), Jim Shott (Jean), Joan Adkins (deceased)(Pete, deceased), and Jack Shott (deceased)(Marilyn). Dear aunt and friend to many.
Arrangements entrusted to and hosted by The Zabor Funeral Home, where there will be a VISITATION, SUN. MAR. 19, 2:00-6:00 PM, 5680 PEARL RD. PARMA (BETW. SNOW & RIDGE). FUNERAL MASS, MON. MAR. 20, 10:00 AM AT ST. BRIDGET OF KILDARE PARISH, 5620 Hauserman Rd. Parma OH 44130. To offer condolences please visit the new website, www.ZaborFH.com
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations in Helene’s name to the…
HELP Foundation, Inc. 26900 Euclid Ave. Euclid, OH 44132
https://www.helpfoundationinc.
NCC Solutions, Inc. Attn: Alpha 3, 12627 York Road. North Royalton, OH 44133 https://www.necare.org/donate-
She married Richard Novak on May 3, 1958, at St Charles Church. They complimented each other with different gifts to share, loved each other and were close to their 65th anniversary at the time of her death. Their first home was in Strongsville when it was still farmland and not yet a city. In 1966, they moved to Parma Heights where they lived for over 50 years.
Helene and Rich had five children. Two of the children had PKU and were developmentally disabled. She loved her babies and she and Rich advocated for their children at a time when there were not resources for those with special needs. She encouraged each of her five children to develop their individual interests and gifts. She and Rich had eleven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She loved and was proud of each of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was an excellent caregiver and sensitive to others’ needs. She passed on that caring and sensitivity.
Helene was a voracious reader of all types of books. She was a wonderful cook and kept all well fed. She was talented and creative with sewing, crafts, and sketching. She loved to play and had a great imagination. She did the extra things that made parties fun at her house with decorations or themes. She encouraged us to have fun and to enjoy life!
She learned to enjoy her Leap Year birthday, one every 4 years. When it was an “unbirthday’ year, she celebrated her birthday the whole month of February.
She loved science and science fiction. She watched the original Start Trek series and wished it could be real. She would have been on that Enterprise exploring new worlds if she could! She was interested in history, especially Egypt. She and Rich had a wonderful extended trip to Egypt and Greece. She enjoyed travel and when she could not travel, she enjoyed museums! She was always curious and a lifelong learner.
She volunteered for many years at Kaiser Permanente in Parma. She also volunteered at St Bridget typing the school newspaper in the days of mimeographing and typing the Ladies Guild newsletter for several years. She was a good writer and editor.
She endured many surgeries in her life and suffered in later years with rheumatoid arthritis. This did not stop her from playing games, reading, attending functions for her grandchildren, and always planning what she wanted to do next.
She maintained strong faith throughout her life which she shared. Although she faced many challenges including her health issues and children with special needs, she brought us together, made us all feel loved, special and supported.
She died peacefully March 14, 2023, beloved by her family. The lessons she taught and the love she shared will be with us always.
Messages of Condolence
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
Troy and Bonnie Link
While I did not know Helene, I know her daughter Jacqui. Reading the words expressed above she imparted many of her gifts to her. Helene had a full life, and her memories will provide comfort to you as you navigate this loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Our deepest sympathy during this difficult time. I have fond memories of your mom as I was growing up. I’m sorry we will be missing the services but know you are in our prayers.
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. We knew Helen’s beautiful Daughter Julie and her family. Through Julie’s love of family and joy we can see Helen and the love she had for family. May perpetual light shine upon her.
Sending my condolences and love to Richie and family. Helene was always so wonderfully sweet and kind. I have many fond memories of our visits as a child when we would come back to Ohio and when they came to visit us in Egypt. I know she loved that trip and I look at all the photos often.
Mary Bloom (daughter of Jerry & Elizabeth Bloom)
Dear Rich, Jeannette and the Novak Family,
My heart and prayers go out to you at the loss of your dear, sweet Helene. Her beautiful smile and delightful sense of humor will live forever in my memory.
May God comfort and bless you.
Love,
Connie